dcsam

Original poster here. We’re also signed up for the open dining.

Thank you. I’d like to book Canelleto. But how can I book now (weeks before cruise) and get Mariner discount?

Is the lido buffet less hectic than the main dining room on the first night?

Thank you

Oh, that’s great! Thank you!

I’ve looked for pictures of handicap cabins 3393 or 3394. But can’t seem to find any. Anybody?

Thank you!

What are the included drink choices at meal times? Lemonade? Tea?

Thank you!

Good to know. It may still work without the fridge. I’ll have to think about it. Just want to keep it simple.

On one cruiseline, I would bring back vegis and fruit in the evening, and keep them in our fridge. The next morning, the smoothy bar would make my special concoctions and add my ingredients. If there’s a fridge in our cabin (outside. Amsterdam), it would probably be easiest to do them up in our room.

My husband and I make morning smoothies. With vegis, fruit and added fiber and protein. On our last cruise, there was no problem having them made for us. But that was a different line. Are they available on HAL? Or should I bring a small, portable blender and make them up in our cabin? I know... sounds extreme. But it’s that important.

Thanks!

I just booked a June, Alaska cruise aboard the Amsterdam. I've seen some posts about bathroom refits, but what other changes might we see throughout the ship?

Thank you.

Does Seabourn provide bus transfer to/from the Seattle airport to/from Vancouver? Thank you

Travelscoot!!!

We wasted money on a different scooter. Sold it at a loss, then purchased the Travelscoot.

Tough call. Personally, I’d have a tough time being in an inside cabin - couldn’t do it.

Have you also checked into Viking Oceans? They’ll be cruising Alaska too. Their ships are stunning and I’d rate the food much better than Azamara or Princess. Lovely promenade decks on Viking. Holland America does Alaska quite well too, but I’d rate the food as the lowest of the ones I’ve suggested. Love their promenade decks though (on their smaller ships). And they have the edge on access to Glacier Bay.

Thanks everyone for you input. We went ahead and put our deposit down in a Crystal cruise. While the Crystal Symphony ship probably won’t b near as nice as the Viking ships, the itinerary is great. And the cost was much better too. Just hoping we can dress similarly to Viking’s dress code and leave formal attire at home.

The almond cake at Mamsens. Yum!!!

Well, there was a smoking section on VO too. It was on the upper deck, under cover. It was located near a door, and some times that smoke would find its way into the ship. Still... it was only one designated area. It didn't bother me too much. Sounds like there's more than one area on Crystal (all of which I hope are outside)?

Thank you for the comparison. We haven't cruised with Crystal yet, but I'd guess your rating is similar to my pre-cruise estimation. I can't imagine any ship being nicer than a VO. There are pros and cons to both lines, however. Hubby doesn't drink, so hate paying for that on Crystal. We weren't fond of VO excursions, and dislike paying for that too (better to do your own). So each has it's strengths. But Crystal it is. Love the itinerary, promenade deck, mostly all-inclusive, service, good food. We can't go wrong.

I am a bit concerned about the formality of Crystal. Been there and done that. We do enjoy the casual (but still nicely dressed) atmosphere of Azamara, VO and HAL.

We had a wonderful time on the Viking Sun. Loved everything about it - especially the handicap friendliness for someone with mobility issues. And the food. And the modern decor. And....

There’s a great itinerary with Crystal aboard the Symphony. For those who have cruised both, would you say Crystal is a lesser experience, on par or better?

Thank you

We recently spent 22 days aboard Viking Sun. Best handicap accessible ship we've been on thus far. Lots of large, automatic-door bathrooms scattered throughout the ship. Easy access to walking deck. Elevators to every level. However, they would not allow us to bring a scooter. We have a lightweight Travelscoot. We brought a transfer chair instead. Upon boarding the ship, we saw at least 2 small scooters. not quite sure why they told us no. I think they may have changed their policy. We're about to book a cruise aboard the Crystal Symphony. I hope we find it scooter friendly. Even if it isn't, my husband can get in and out of the scooter and I can easily lift it when needed. So I think we should be fine.

We have the Travelscoot, and it makes traveling so much more enjoyable for everybody. Do check into it. They’re compact, lightweight and maneuverable.

Thanks for the advice. Eurodam it is!

Looking at several Alaska cruise options, and think HAL may be our best choice. First of all, no flights will be needed since the cruises we’re looking at go out of Seattle.

Keeping it simple and easy is becoming more and more important. My husband can walk, but it sure makes it more enjoyable if he uses his new Travelscoot. Which ship would be better suited for a scooter user - Amsterdam or Eurodam?

Thank you

Thank you for the information! It worked! Viking really should make it easier for the consumer to do this on their website.

I’m considering a back-to-back for next holiday season (Caribbean). But I cannot find each ship’s schedule. Is it on their website? The way their cruises are listed on their website, makes this difficult to do. On a recent Viking cruise, the future cruise agent had it, but said he couldn’t give me a copy.

Suggestions?

Thank you!

Hateleavingthecats;

Are you able to push a transfer chair? If so, I’d encourage you to look into purchasing one. They’re maneuverable, compact and got us ‘out and about’ more than without. Even if you only used it while onboard, you might find it helpful getting around. I’d suggest finding one that has the largest front wheels in addition to large back ones. They do have a tendency to stop on the smallest of rises or lips. So some caution is needed. Pulling it backwards helps get over those small hurdles.

Pick your tours carefully. I spent a lot of time reading about the various ports and what to expect. I cancelled one tour because it seemed too challenging for my husband. But overall, it went well. We’re also getting to the point where taking private excursions would be best. But on our cruise, outside private tours were quite limited due to our ports of call. It would be beneficial for all if Viking Oceans offered slow walking tours - at least for the popular included ones.